Harmon, Illinois is welcoming its newest member to the town in big fashion.
A ribbon cutting was held today for Michael Shoemaker Jr. and his family as they officially moved into their home. A home that was built by volunteers looking to give back to someone who served their country.
"It's just a great reminder of what we're doing it for, and that was to provide them a place where they could have and enjoy raising a family," said Terri Porter, Co-Pastor of Abiding Word Church in nearby Sterling.
Together, she and about 100 other volunteers built the house from the ground up. All Shoemaker Jr. did was buy the land and lay the foundation. That, and serve with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. He was moving ammunition when a set of grenades went off unexpectedly, killing his best friend and injuring him in the process.
"Broke left tibia, right femur, blew off my right kneecap deflated right lung. Shrapnel all over my body," said Shoemaker.
He loves the small town feel of Harmon, and his wife appreciates the layout of their new home.
"It's nice to kind of have our own room and our own space and I don't have to worry about sharing a bathroom with the kids," said Brittany Shoemaker.
"I mean words can't even express the amount of gratitude I have. All I can really say is thank you," Shoemaker said.